Archive · 7 Sep 2026
West Bengal Announces Scholarships, Schools and Curriculum Reforms
West Bengal has announced several proposed changes to improve education.
The state wants to create two modern model schools in every district.
These schools would have digital tools and admissions from Class 6 through entrance tests.
The government also plans to improve buildings, drinking water, meals, libraries and classrooms.
More attention would be given to sports, music and activities outside regular lessons.
Schools may restrict students’ use of mobile phones to help them concentrate.
The curriculum could include the work of Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Swami Pranabananda.
New innovation laboratories are planned for 1,000 schools.
A new scholarship scheme would help talented students study at leading institutions in India and other countries.
West Bengal plans to establish two modern “CM Shri” schools in every district, with Class 6 admissions through entrance examinations.
A ₹300 crore grant will target infrastructure improvements across approximately 19,000 schools lacking adequate facilities.
The government proposes new sports centres, expanded music and extracurricular programmes, and restrictions on mobile phone use in schools.
The curriculum may include the contributions of Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Swami Pranabananda, alongside a stronger historical and national focus.
The proposed Swami Vivekananda Merit Scheme would support meritorious students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in India and abroad.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and the state government.
- What
- A proposed education overhaul involving new schools, infrastructure funding, curriculum changes, scholarships, teacher recruitment and expanded sports and extracurricular programmes.
- When
- The announcements were made at a Teachers’ Day programme; the government said the National Education Policy’s impact would be visible by 2030.
- Where
- Across West Bengal, including proposed sports centres in the state’s northern and western regions.
- Why
- To improve school infrastructure, modernise learning, encourage merit and innovation, strengthen physical and extracurricular education, and provide financial support to meritorious higher-education students.
- CM Shri schools
- Two are proposed in every West Bengal district, with upgraded facilities, smart boards and digital learning infrastructure.
- Infrastructure grant
- ₹300 crore is proposed for state-run and aided schools.
- Schools needing infrastructure
- Approximately 19,000 schools were identified as lacking adequate infrastructure.
- Innovation laboratories
- Atal Tinkering Labs are planned for 1,000 secondary and higher secondary schools.
- Merit scheme
- The Swami Vivekananda Merit Scheme is intended to support meritorious undergraduate and postgraduate students at premier institutions in India and abroad.
- School amenities
- The government said it would ensure mid-day meals and purified drinking water in every school, while strengthening libraries.
- Teacher recruitment
- The government reiterated that recruitment through the School Service Commission would be completed within the timeline prescribed by the Supreme Court.